December 21 - 27, 2009: It's Christmas Time

This week marks the most awaited event for Christiandom, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

At home, I hurriedly spruced up our home, brought out the Christmas curtains, put up the remaining Christmas decors which we have not yet put up in the weekend when we started decorating the house. I was just supervising and our helpers were the ones who put up the tree. I am not sure why I am not as enthusiastic as before in decorating the house for Christmas. I told MD that I am getting bored with the old decors. I actually bought additional trimmings for the Christmas trees and some wreaths. Somehow, our home looks festive enough for the season this week.

There is still work in the office but it's the start of the Christmas break for school....ya'y. Going to the office becomes a drag as people's minds are on parties and celebrations.

After office on Monday, my friend V....... and I together with another college classmate went to a party with batchmates at a diner in QC. It's good enough to see old and not so familiar faces anymore. It was a party for three batches which somehow made the affair a little uncomfortable for some. We don't know each other. The consolation was that everyone brought home raffle prices.

On Tuesday, I had to squeeze in shopping for the food packs we distribute to carolers and kids who roam the village on Christmas day.

I had plan to meet up with two friends, one has been long lost, on Wednesday, which went awry. I went home disappointed because I was in party clothes looking forward to a night of fun.

Christmas eve was spent preparing for Noche Buena. MIL was at the helm. I have been so lazy preparing meals lately. I am also not feeling well. We went to hear Midnight Mass in the village chapel. We partook of our Noche Buena. Afterwards, everyone went to bed.

On Christmas day itself, we are expecting hubby's brothers and their family. MIL would be at the kitchen supervising the cooking. I spruced up the house and put on some scents for a Christmassy air. In time, my two BILs would arrive with their family. My youngest brother and his family would also visit as they were not able to go home to his wife's province. There would be dining and some drinking; chatting, and laughing.......... until it was time to go.

In the weekend, we had the traditional family reunion on hubby's side again in QC where there would be gift-giving and kids and anybody without a source of income or those with less which would include the senior family members, household helpers, drivers would line up for money. Earning family members would serve as Santas giving money to those who are lined up. When the party is over, kids are observed to be in high spirits smiling sheepishly with their loot, I mean aginaldo. The designated Santas, on the other han, look like they have just been robbed.

As a country known to spend the longest Christmas season, our celebrations with families and friends would attest to this observation. However, let us not lose sight of the reason for the celebration. Tis the season to be jolly because Jesus Christ, our Savior, was born.

Merry Christmas to One and All!

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December 14 - 20, 2009: Celebrations

It is a crucial week for everyone as this is the week that school requirements have to be completed before the long Christmas break. Some of my students are going away while I relish the thought of staying home for the holiday. It was to be a long and difficult week for everyone as midterms have to be given before we can party on Saturday which was set so as not to conflict with school skeds. As always, students openly talked about my nose-bleed causing exams like I wasn't there during the exams. Prior to the exams, I distributed my Christmas gift, an erasable ballpen, to the delight of my students. The objective portion of my exams should be strictly no erasures. The pen practically invalidated that rule.

We had our institutional party in the office in the middle of the week. It was to be a modest celebration due to the recent calamities that have befallen us. A mass was celebrated followed by a simple merienda cena. The main event is the recognition night for outstanding performers in the Department. If last year was marred by cheating, would this year be any different?

For one, the leeches in cahoots with the HR office are still actively involved in the selection process. As to how this happened beats me. We are supposed to be a planning office, why are we doing HR work! As to why the higher ups are letting this happen is beyond my understanding. Maybe, they just don't want to rock the boat.

What is to be expected with them at the helm? They can't win another time I am pretty sure of that...... sobrang garapal naman niyan if they do it again. But I am sure they will ensure that their friends (if they have any) or those they hob-nob with for favors would win.

Actually, I left the party early pretty much like last year. Rather than subject myself to aggravation, I indulged in therapeutic window shopping at nearby World Trade Center, the biggest bazaar you could find. Similar to my experience last year, I breezed through the entire bazaar aisle to aisle in record time. Inside, I would see familiar faces from the party and we would nod in silence acknowledging each other's presence and smile as we seal a compact of silence about each other's absence from our celebration.

I would have classes in the evening..... I had no plans of buying anything unless it really is a good find. There is an ATM inside WTC which makes shopping so tempting. I intentionally did not bring enough money but just the P800 in my wallet to avoid shopping. However, the pull of merchandising with all the wares displayed is too much to bear for a recovering shopaholic. I was down to my last P30 pesos that a booth owner was trying to still fish from me.... just enough for my bus fare to school. Still, I have not seen the entire center so I hurriedly scoured the last remaining aisles. I found another interesting item, wind chime, which I collect. I haggled with the shopkeeper and she gave me a good price. I told her I have to withdraw money and will be back. When I reached the ATM, there was along line of people queuing for more shopping money.

This time reason prevailed....... I had to forego buying the chime or I will be late for school. I left whimpering because I missed my chance. I rode a bus going to school and paid my fare with my last remaining money. Reaching Makati, I had to withdraw money from the first ATM that I saw. I went to school like nothing happened. I proctored my midterm exams and went home immediately after.

The following day I had to take some time off work to give my midterm exam for the other subject.

MS celebrated his birthday on Friday and I took a leave from the office. They are having their Christmas Party. Like in previous years, I brought some food to add to their Christmas fare. MS is given a portion of the party for his birthday celebration and his classmates would gladly oblige. I would try to be as invisible as possible taking pictures during their party.

We went home afterwards. We have actually hatched a plan with his sisters. We would be going to the Noel Bazaar at WTC in the evening and have dinner somewhere. MD had her cheer-leading practice and we have to wait for her. It was early evening when the kids and I headed for the Noel Bazaar.

I thought it was going to be a pleasant experience but the kids were exhausted from school work, practices, and the parties. They were grumpy once we were in. We did our shopping just the same but not as enjoyable as what we had at Cuenca Ayala Alabang. It was almost 11pm when we finished shopping and headed for the exit.

We still had one more thing to do..... have dinner to celebrate MS's birthday. At that time, there are aren't too many choices. We agreed to stop at any resto that is acceptable to everyone. As we near home, the restos are all close. Except for the 24 hour fastfood restos, there is not much choice. We initially agreed on chowking until i thought about the tapsilog inside the village. When I mentioned it, the girls' eyes glimmer with delight. MS was sleeping and was not a party to the decision.

We came to a stop at the tapsihan inside the village. It's nothing pretentious but the usual tapsihan where you sit, get served, pay, and leave in an al fresco setting. We took our seats and ordered tapsilog, of course. My mouth is watering as I recall the experience. MS ordered hotdog with egg. He hasn't quite acquired Mummy's and the girls' exquisite taste for the ordinary. The service was fast. We ate equally fast. I paid our meal. Soon, we were on our way home. Tired and sleepy, everyone retired to his and her own rooms.

The following day, a Saturday, my dam, Hershey, has been showing signs of whelping since morning. I was nearby to give her a hand. Everyone is watching her. Hours passed and she still has not whelped. I was worried that she will do it in the evening. I would be attending our school party. I briefed my helpers on what to do in case she whelped.

I did my usual chores while waiting for Hershey to whelp. By late afternoon, I got ready to go to my party as I repeated instructions on assisting Hershey. I was about to go when my helper called out to me that Hershey's pup was already coming out. Good timing Hershey, as usual. I expected I would be delayed and made calls to several people as follows:

a dog buyer I am meeting in my office prior to the party
a couple of friends who will hitch a ride with me to the party
the vet to tell her to be on stand by

As I do this, Hershey wouldn't whelp like the other times i assisted her. The puppy would not come out. I decided to tell the vet to come over. While waiting, I was still assisting my dog. In my party clothes, I was slumped on the floor cajoling my dog to push as we rubbed her tummy and I pulled her thingy. The vet was caught in traffic. After more than two hours, the first pup came out..... alive. Thank God!

People were calling me. I kept telling them i would be out as soon as one pup is out.... but I couldn't leave. I told the dog buyer that maybe she should just proceed to my home. Luckily, she agreed. Soon, the second puppy was coming out. It was breech.......... oh no. Hershey had a hard time. I was so into it myself. I asked MD to call the vet to update her on the status. After much effort, the second puppy came out........ but he's gone. It felt bad because I saw that puppy moving just minutes ago.

Soon, the dog buyer came. I had to meet them somewhere in the village. I brought them home, settled our transaction, and they left with the puppy.

The vet was already at my house at this time. and I could breathed a sigh of relief. One more puppy came out.... alive. I told the vet I had to for to the party and excused myself. I am confident that Hershey is now in good hands so I can leave.

I thought about the best way to get to the venue and decided not to go through SLEX expecting bad traffic there. I took airport road instead and went out to Roxas Boulevard and entered EDSA. Luckily, I was right on track. The whole trip including weaving and maneuvering took just about an hour. Along the way, I would text our administrative head to include me in the grand raffle where a TV set is the top prize telling her I was on the way. I actually felt I had no chance of winning based on previous experience but still I had to make sure I am in the raffle for the heck of it.

The party was almost over when I arrived. People were assembling their loot, I mean gifts. One would get a huge box to put all his gift. I was given one gift as a consolation for my effort in getting there. I joined some games and group photos and had a quick bite. Soon, guests started leaving. I was among the last to leave.... just so I could spend some more time or my party clothes would have not been optimally used.

Going home, I drove leisurely thinking about my day. When I got home, I saw Hershey nursing her new-born pups though our glass door. I thought I saw two pups and when once I got inside I saw four puppies happily sucking away.......... It was a sight to behold.....as once again, a circle of life begins......

On Sunday, I was too tired for anything else............. But I had to fetch our pom, Poochie, from the vet's clinic. She gave birth to two pups who died eventually early this week. It's her first time to whelp. We were saddened but thankful that Poochie is alive and well.

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December 7 - 13, 2009: Tyangges and Bazaars

All of us have to do shopping for gifts for friends and others this week. Shopping for family members happen just a few hours before Christmas. Next week will be the last week for school and there will be parties all over town.

I am actually cramming too....... preparing my lessons and midterm exams. There has not been enough time to cover more lessons and it is harder as some requirements were missed. Our midterm exam is scheduled next week. In this mode, I should work efficiently and very, very quietly to get things done. As Christmas approaches, work in the office would take a lull. I was actually surprised to receive an email from the boss and later from my colleague asking for a report.

In the weekend, I would go to the bazaar in Cuenca Ayala Alabang with the girls on Saturday night and my son on a Sunday evening. We had to do it separtely due to conflict of sked. MD wanted to study on Sunday. During my date with the girls, we had to rush with our shopping because it was 30 minutes to closing time. The girls and I went separate ways to cover more areas. Some booths were already closed and some were closing but would still accommodate customers. Even with the little time and just a handful of booths opened, the girls were able to complete their shopping. I bought some DVDs and MS's exchange gift.

The following day it was MS's turn. He said he needs to shop for some more gifts for his friends and favorite teachers. Initially, ED was coming with MS and but decided not to. So it was just MS and I. We had enough time so we shopped leisurely. At some point while waiting for a gift that has to be personalized, MS and I had dinner. Surprisingly, MS liked the adobo flakes that I ordered for him. At home, he wouldn't touch anything adobo.

After shopping, we went home contented with our finds. MS was so pleased with the tyangge experience that for the first time he asked if we could do it again. I promised him we'll visit another time.......

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November 30 - December 6, 2009: Joy Ride

The week started well as it is actually part of the extended holiday.... hip, hip, hooray! I was hopeful that this is going to be a good week. After all, I came from a trip, a joy ride actually, to Subic with my friend V..... and MD and MS in the weekend. The kids and I have not seen the much vaunted highway which is compared to Colorado freeway and we wanted to see for ourselves.

Much of the week is quiet as the leeches are again happily doing other people's jobs in another office. It is actually a source of additional income for them as they claim overtime pay which has somehow become regular income for them as it comes regularly like clockwork. Because work in the office would have its lull, they willingly take on other people's work. Provided not much brainpower is used, they can fight off sleep. Sleeping during office hours is tolerated for them especially now that the boss literally has abandoned this office and left it for the dogs.... They have this beautiful relationship with our HR that seems to take wings in terms of extending the function of this office to include HR work. It works fine for them as a source of extra income and other perks. Can you imagine being close to HR personnel?

As weekend approaches, one of my dogs gave birth to three puppies. However, one puppy was born dead while the other one died after less than a day. The lone male puppy is coping up well.

In the weekend, I finally was able to contract out the electrical job that has long been pending. Little by little, we are unearthing the many defects and problems our home have..... Before it gets any more complicated, I better remedy the situation. It seems that I am the only one who is concerned about these things in the house. I should have studied to be an electrician so that I can be more learned about the tricks of the trade.....

One of the electrical work in the contract is the installation of a safer outlet for my jacuzzi and heater. I have not enjoyed this amenity for so long because I was not able to buy a heater for it immediately. When I finally bought the heater, the water pressure was not enough so the heater would not work. I had to buy a pressurized tank to increase water supply in the second floor. When finally everything was complete, my shower enclosure jacuzzi's water mixer would turn out to be wrongly installed such that the hot water opening would not close once turned on. It took sometime before the water mixer would be repaired because the company sent incompetent technicians who cannot properly diagnose the problem. I had to threaten them on bringing the matter up to the attention of the proper authority before action was taken. True enough, it was a simple problem that has been misdiagnosed. When the safety switch was installed, I tried my jacuzzi after a long time. Before I would use it with cold water and I would chill after sometime. This time, the water was lukewarm and it felt soft and warm like being enveloped by a soft snuggly comforter. It felt good that I was dousing off. I was enjoying the rhythm of the water ......... until the heater tripped. It's not working again. My bliss was abruptly and unceremoniously cut......... argggggggghhhhh!!!!

Just as the week started on a high note, it ended on a rather sour note.............

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I Dream a Dream in FB

It must be maddening not to be facebooking in a day.... The various applications or apps take people by a storm.... that working and facebooking or studying while facebooking or twitting is now our current way of multitasking.... as we try to get connected with people all over the globe.

My fascination with facebook came quite late. All my friends kept telling me to use it. I signed in early enough but unfortunately couldn't log in all the time. Our office network has a firewall which blocks the application. Thank God for one lucky break.... Our network bogged down and we had to be connected to the server of the building which houses our office..... actually ilegally connected as intimated by our all-around colleague who also performs network job for us. I would accidentally discover that facebook can be accessed. Since then, I am always logged on to facebook and would discover its various apps. I recently joined twitter. I have been a long-time multiply user for many reasons. Of course, I will not abandon my yahoo for sentimental reasons.....

Unless you're septuagenarian who is tech-phobic, you know what I'm talking about and in all likelihood is hooked too. So what are the apps I go for in facebook?

I play scrabble on a regular basis. I have these running games with a couple of formidable opponents, one, a fellow Pinoy and another an Englishman who's not from New York..... I developed an addiction to this game probably a year ago. I was playing at games.com until the scrabble board was closed because another party bought the rights to the game. I was devastated to say the least, because I was a purple player already.... two notches lower than the two highest notches, a red player and an orange player. Naturally, when I rediscovered scrabble in facebook, I was ecstatic.... so much so that there were times I was trading sleep for playing. Over time, I tempered my addiction and content myself playing with these two guys. On occasion, I would play with new opponents. At the height of my addiction, the network would be sooooooo slow or would just quit on me and I'd lose a game because my opponent would force forfeit when you can't play within the time limit. I play two-minuter because I get bored when an opponent takes too long. I lost many games where I was ahead because the game was forced forfeited. Some sneaky players would do so just 1 sec after your time lapsed. As I tempered my addiction, I got to know good players whom I play with on a regular basis. Soon, we would just play open games without time limit. Occasionally, I would indulge in a game or two with new opponents.

But I can't believe there are creeps in what I consider a mentally-stimulating game.... I encountered bigots a number of times....... I would also get some indecent proposals from virtual lotharios. They would usually be friendly and ask if you could be friends. Once you agree, they will begin checking you out... your profile, photos, maybe your mind through your posts...... Then, offer you the opportunity of a lifetime..... There was this guy from Australia who ask if I was married. I told him that is my son I am smoldering on my profile picture. He repeated his question. I told him I am. Undeterred, , he ask if I would like to have an affair. I asked him why the hell is he looking for a tryst on a boring game like scrabble. He quited on me and I won the game...... I was way ahead anyway. Inspite of this and even if I am past my addiction, I still love this game.

As I begin getting acquainted with more apps, I would notice that these apps would eat so much of your time if you play them on a regular basis. I do...... along with my work in the office, in school, and at home. I manage but would hardly stand up from my seat the entire day that I would not notice the passage of time.

After scrabble, I discovered farmtown when I accepted a friend's invitation. Later on, I noticed there was farmville too. Before I knew it, I also set up a farm in farmville. Initially I thought, it was simply planting, harvesting, and selling and buying stuff for the farm. I would discover many things you can do in your farm. These games are constantly evolving too as the site developers add more features to the games to make it more interesting.

At some point, I was becoming bored with farmtown partly because the animals are useless. They do not help increase your money. Farmville became more interesting. That was until I accidentally discovered working for other farms can make you earn more and having other farmers work in your farm increase your crop value and save on plowing costs. These twists switch my interest back to farmtown that I now find earning more money is faster in farmtown than in farmville.

Recently, a cousin whom I have just "friended" (heard that unfriend is the latest "in" word) told me that one can adopt various animals, get stuffs, and earn bonus points by watching out friend's activities. Upon learning this, I immediately applied the new-found knowledge. Now, my interest has been shifted once again.

My farms for both farmtown and farmville have an uncanny similarity........ like where cottages are located or where the animals are placed; how the trees and crops are arranged. I want simlar trees bunched together like most farmers I know and visited. Both farms would give a glimpse of my character. Being Pinoy, it is important to have security, I had my entire farm fenced at the very start. It was still small so it was manageable. As it grew, I had to rearrange and buy more fence materials. After some time, I decided to stop fencing my farm and would just consider it when my farm is arranged to my liking.....

I am thinking about getting my mansion for the farm which my mind resist. I want the farm to maintain the charm of the countryside and that would mean doing away with the trappings of city life. A mansion or a villa would make my farms too cosmopolitan. Recently, I set up a river that flows around my farm. In real life. it will take enormous resources before one could set-up his own river or lake in a farm. In farmtown and farmville, just work for the money and one can have anything. Purchases add up to one's XP........ which means I might not be able to avoid buying the mansion after all.

As my fascination with the different apps grew, I was struck by a question raised by ED's friend as narratyed by ED during one of our family casual talks. ED's friend was asking why oldies play farmville or farmtown. Hmmmmmm, I don't know how accurate the question is ...... because it sounds as if the oldies, them and aww shucks alright, me, have a monopoly of the game.

I did a quick check of my neighbors and fellow farmers and indeed the rather amusing but astute observation of ED's friend looks like a valid contention. MD would somehow seem to confirm this observation as she blurted out that one of her BFF's mom also has a farm.... This would bolster the validity of ED's friend hypothesis. Now, I am raising the same question.... Why are the oldies farming?

Let's put the question in the proper perspective. Is the observation true across genders, geographical boundaries, classes, status, and other demographic delineation? How do we define oldies? baby boomers, seniors, gen x, y? Let's see.

Let me base the facts of this case on my own expeience as a 'farmer'. My neighbors for both farmville and farmtown are mostly females save for a couple of boys and one or two guys. I can hire people to plow for farmtown which means I have more than 11 neighbors, 16 actually. I have more neighbors in farmville because of my cousin, a farmville addict, who asked her brood of 6 to befriend me on facebook. Not all of them are into farmville, only the girls. Not all the girls are my neighbors, only the younger girls. Her teenage daughter plays farmville but is not my neighbor. Even my own girls are not into farmville and farmtown but they play another farm apps which they claim to have better graphics. MS used to have a farm until his FB was accidentally invalidated.

In the real word, most of my 'neighbors' are working or are in business that require them to use a computer. Hence, they can sneak into their 'farms" in the virtual world many times in a day...... like I do. I am also assuming that my 'neighbors' are PC or laptop owners and not merely relying on hardware in the office or school. Why? Because there are responsibilities to owning and tending a 'farm'. Crops can rot if left unattended after they become harvestable. One should be attuned to the timing of their crops. There were times I had to wake up in the middle of the night or early morning to check on my crops. I used to do this at the height of my addition to scrabble..... and here I am again.

A few of these neighbors have grown tired of the application and are now hardly touching their farm. A number of guys whom I invited to become my neighbors set up a farm just for the heck of it and never touched their farms or have abandoned their farms totally.

Most of my neighbors are fellow Filipinos but I have a couple of neighbors and some buddies from foreign lands. In the market place, I notice that there are generally more women than men at any given time. Most of my neighbors and even myself are also into other apps.

The above information will give me a profile of a typical farmer in farmville or farmtown. Farmers who stay for the long haul are mostly women; gainfully engaged in work or business; have family; are not too young nor too old; are multitaskers (based on the number of apps they are using plus the fact that we are able to juggle real and virtual work); and are bound to be compulsive users of the apps until satiation sets in. Having compiled this profile, I think I am inclined to agree with the hypothesis of ED's friend that farming is for oldies.

Now, lets try to explore that question a bit further and ask why we are playing farm..... This time I am basing the answer on my own personal opinion. I can only half-guess what's on the minds of the rest of the farmers.

Among the apps, I chose to play farming because it is like living a dream. The prospect of owning a farm in real life seems far-fetched right now even if I would like that so much. Imagine spending a weekend in a farm with its fresh air, trees and crops, animal sounds......... a commune with nature after a long and stressful week. Doesn't that sound cool? Just thinking about it make my mind drift from my reality.

However, it's not going to happen anytime soon. Aside from the lack of resource to buy a land to convert into my dream farm, time is also wanting. I don't even know how to stretch the weekend to do my chores at home. How can I even think that I would have the luxury of time to spend the weekend in a farm......

With that dream buried somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, farmville and farmtown would be the next best thing as these apps provide the platform to make my own dream farm. These apps provide instant gratification as one can see immediate results from the fruits of one's labor. If one 'works' hard, she can easily transform a simple farm into a dream farm in no time. Excitement builds up as one aspires for attaining his goals in transforming her farm every step of the way. There are also learning experience as one is taught planning; saving; investing (in equipment or building wih usage) vs consumption (of decorations and buildings for recreational purposes); comparing alternatives (hiring vs. own labor); and learning from mistakes or experience( I accidentally deleted a plant monster purchased by MS as a gift for me). Here, the impossible becomes possible. In real life, I could not buy a river even if I have the means but the platform allow me to do that...... and I love the waters...... The whole farm can be rearranged to one's specification as trees and buidings become movable properties which can be moved, sold, or used which is infeasible in real life. The thrill comes from seeing one's farm improve as one keeps on playing the apps.

I have also been receiving invitations from friends to try cafeworld, mafia wars, yoville but I have kept these invitations at bay. The apps are really time-eaters because they tend to become compulsion after sometime. For now, I am contented with my make-believe farms. Lest, I am willing to risk developing carpal tunnel syndrome..... even now, I can feel some sensation and tension on my wrist whenever I spend too much time on the pc or laptop......... it's worst when I am using laptop actually......

However, there are still dreams that are waiting to be lived out even in the virtual world. Like most people, I would love to have my own business, a restaurant perhaps, and be my own boss........... Hmmmmmmmmm.......Pretty soon I think that I am gonna have my own cafe-resto at cafeworld..... That will be the culmination of my virtual dream for now.......

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November 23 - 29, 2009: When Hell Broke Loose

Note: I am foregoing my weekly journal and would dedicate this week's post to the Maguindanao massacre victims. I would like to be invisible momentarily because anything about my life this week pale so miserably in comparison to the carnage that took the lives of 57 (as of the last account and investigators suspect there could be more) innocent civilians who were out to carry out what they ought to do in the normal course of life on that fateful Monday. Still, I like this post to be part of my weekly journal because it is one of those things which shook me to the core that will forever be etched in my memory. The pictures in the dailies, blogs, and TV speak for themselves. I could hardly look at these pictures without cringing that I decided to just use symbolic photos that bespeak of what we all desire...... justice! I decry the barbarism borne out of greed and lust for power and money. I hope that justice is carried out swiftly and blindly for the victims and the families and loved ones left behind and that the perpetuators will be meted their punishment.

A friend's FB wall read, "Euphoria doused too soon...." After Pacquiao's succesful bid for the WBO welterweight crown and Efren Peñaflorida's win in CNN Hero of the Year, the very first day of the week proved fateful for 57 people, mostly women, who were waylaid, tortured, raped, and brutalized before being murdered. I am shaking and moved to tears writing this post imagining the horror of the people who must have felt that death is in their midst.

Everyone were still in a celebratory mood with Peñaflorida's winning an international hero's award making us hopeful as a Filipino capable of rising above our weakness, overturning life's odds, making a difference, and inspiring others to follow the example. The CNN award is the icing on the cake........ In this atmosphere, we would all be greeted with the news of the massacre that came as a surprise ...........like being doused with cold water to wake up from a pleasant dream to face a nightmare in one instant sweep..... Maybe, we all needed to slap ourselves to believe that what we heard, unbelievable as it sounds, actually happened. Peñaflorida's three seconds have been abruptly cut.... His arrival on Thursday could have been made more fitting for a deserving hero except that Pinoys are now focused a real life horror.

Investigator began digging a grassy area in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan town with the backhoe bearing the name of Governor Ampatuan Sr. used in digging the mass grave still at the site. In the next few days, 57 bodies were recovered. Recently, the search for a 58th body was proposed with the discovery of a partial upper left denture with a metal clasp at the crime scene that did not fit any of the remains already recovered by an independent forensic team led by Peruvian forensic anthropologist Dr. Jose Pablo Baraybar.

Even for a country long hardened to election violence, the massacre of at least 57 defenseless civilians on the main southern island of Mindanao, many of them relatives and supporters of a local politician and a large group of journalists, sets a new low. This troubled corner of the Philippines usually makes headlines for its long-running Muslim separatist rebellion. But the killings starkly exposed a nationwide malaise: the fierce competition for regional power among the country's small Élite of a few hundred families and clans that control an inordinate amount of the national wealth - and the desperate lengths some will go to protect their hold on power. (Alastair Mcindoe, Time)

On Thursday, Philippine flags were flown at half-mast as we mourn for the massacre victims. Suspect Mayor Andal Ampatuan was brought to Manila by a team of DOJ and NBI officials who accompanied the mayor on his way to the NBI headquarters from Villamor airbase in Pasay City. He was to be the Ampatuan's sacrificial lamb even as he maintains his innocence up to this day.......

Eyewitness began surfacing....... Two civilian volunteers who allegedly took part in the grisly killings have confirmed the presence of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. at the massacre site on November 23. Police are grooming some people to be state witnesses to pursue murder charges against the perpetrators of the grisly massacre in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao .

Three journalists were saved by a twist of fate when they decided to return to their hotel upon the insistence of one of them who said he forgot something at their hotel. In reality, he was having doubts about their safety as he thought about how the Mangudadatu camp's request for police escorts for the convoy was turned down. One had a premonition and decided not to go. He was thanking a fellow mediaperson for warning him which he heeded.....

As it turned out, none of their colleagues returned alive. The three reporters would later find out that almost the entire convoy including their media colleagues, were stopped by about a hundred armed men, and then brutally slaughtered like animals by the roadside. These three survivors lived to tell their story.

As of presstime, Ampatuan Jr. has been charged with murder and remains in the custody of the NBI.

As all of this drama was unfolding, there were questions hanging at the back of the minds of almost everyone. Why is the government too cautious in pursuing this case? There were oevrwhelming evidence but the military were being very careful about tagging the Ampatuans as suspects clarifying they are possible suspect not principal suspects. Government investigators issued official statement left and right saying they were still gathering enough evidence.

What more evidence do they need? There were eyewitness acount of the massacre. There was the the backhow bearing the name of the patriarch of the Ampatuans. There was the phone call of the wife of Vice Mayor Mangudadatu which can already be considered the testimony of someone who feel they are about to die (of course, there is doubt about the statement of a relative of one of the victim but the authorities can verify that statement if they wanted to.) There is the grieving husband who set aside his Muslim tradition to let due process of the law take its course.

Besides, who else would have the motive?

It is not just ineptitude.... There's also the angle of a cover-up because the military is tagged as being part of the armed group which carried out the horrific crime. Many see a cover-up by this administration because of political payback they have to give to a bankable ally who could deliver the votes in that part.

Up to now, the massacre is still being talked about as it is unprecedented in its brutality and brazeness. I am outraged as I cannot fathom how a human is capable of doing this demonic act to a fellow human being, much more to 57 people. I am amazed at how the Ampatuans treat all of us like morons who can't see though their dastardly acts.

Thank God for this media that we can somehow express out indignation instead of building up the seething anger within us that could translate to more violent outbursts. As I cry for justice, i hope that the rest of the Maguindanaoans caught in the crossfire of warring political families will be spared from further harm. They have already suffered so much as a result of patronage politics that produce these warloads whose bloated ego make them feel like they own their territory and that their subjects are beholden to them. In the light of this latest caper, I hope that the, once and for all, government will act swiftly and decisively in dismantling militias and private armies.



If you, like most Filipinos, are indignant about the slow wheel of justice on the Maguindanao massacre, please sign the petition letter to President Arroyo by following the link below.
An Open Letter to Mdm Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines

Update:

Apart from Andal Jr. also known as "Datu Unsay," five more members of the powerful and Arroyo-allied Ampatuan clan - including its patriarch Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., a mayor and a vice-mayor - have been recommended by the Philippine National Police Wednesday to be charged for murder in connection with the massacre of at least 57 people in Maguindanao province last week.

Six other people were also included in the list of those recommended to face murder charges by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

Apart from Andal Jr., who has already been charged with multiple murder, recommended to face similar charges are:

1. Andal Ampatuan Sr., governor of Maguindanao province;

2. Datu Ulo Ampatuan, earlier identified as grandson of Andal Sr.;

3. Bahnarin Ampatuan, mayor of Mamasapano town, Maguindanao;

4. Datu Kanor Ampatuan, vice mayor of Salibo town, Maguindanao;

5. Toni Kenis Ampatuan, police auxiliary of the municipal police stations (MPS) in Shariff Aguak and Datu Unsay towns;

6. Muhamad Sangki, municipal councilor of Datu Abdullah Sangki town, Maguindanao;

7. Tammy Masukat, earlier identified as the commander of the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) in Maguindanao;

8. Tumi Timba Abas, police auxiliary of the MPS in Shariff Aguak and Datu Unsay towns;
9. PO1 Abbey Guiadem, officer in charge of the Datu Unsay MPS;

10. one identified only as Commander Beri, a CVO member of Datu Unsay MPS; and

11. one identified only as Dahutay, a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) assigned at Sitio Binibiran, Matagabong, Ampatuan town.

Also mentioned as respondents are "one hundred other John and Peter Does."

Still, we must remain vigilant. This country has seen so much injustice right under our noses carried out in the guise of due process. Soon, we would all be back to our normal routine and I am afraid that this carnage will be one of those things that can be easily be swept under the rug.....

Related Posts:
Savage
Savage II
Why the Philippines' Maguindanao Massacre Happened
Maguindanao Massacre: God Is Watching
Wanted urgently: another backhoe to dig up the 58th missing massacre victim in Ampatuan, Maguindanao

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November 16 - 22, 2009: Haunted by My Ghosts

I have been itching to go to the cemetery to visit my parents but I decided to wait for my youngest brother before we could schedule that trip. For some reason, my parents who are long gone seem to haunt me or are they telling something..... like why we have not paid them a visit. The picture of my parents popped out as I was loading my usb to load my lecture in class. I wasn't trying to open the picture and it popped out by itself. It happened twice.... same picture. I was stunned.

At the office, ghosts of the past appear to have reemerged. The leeches appear to once again wrestle control taking advantage of the weakness of the current dispensation. Most of the time, they are out of the office doing odd jobs for some other office. I am haunted by the same issues as in the past.... and I am getting tired......

After a rather routinary week, the weekend came into view.....

My brother arrived the previous week but it was only this weekend when we got the chance to finally visit my parents in their resting place. They were sick and too jetlagged the weekend after their arrival and they begged off from our original plan. I do not want to go the cemetery twice so I figured it's better to reset it it to this weekend.

Like most weekend, I had to pack my day. My children complained about the many errands I have to do before we can go a certain destination. For that trip to the cemetery, we had to pass by Makati to get the replacement for the St. Joseph of the Nativity set I bought last year which has four kings instead of 3 and a missing St. Joseph. I have been patronizing the seller for a long time and I am sure I can have it replaced. However, I lost her contact number after I purchased the Nativity set and I was not able to replace it last year.

I returned the excess king the day before and arranged with the shopkeeper for my pick-up this weekend. Upon inspection of the replacement, it turned out to be the wrong model. I was actually pissed because he didn't check the item I returned. To appease me, he promised to just replace the whole set because their current production of nativity set is different from the one I bought last year. We had to make another arrangement for this long-overdue replacement....hmmmmph

We headed to the cemetery after that short detour to be caught in a monstrous traffic jam as we were nearing the cemetery. The rain also came. It was dark when we reached the cemetery. I had to explain to the guard that we were not able to visit earlier and it was only now that we were able to visit. He let us in probably taking pity on us but astounded about our courage to enter the resting place of the departed at night. It was eerie visiting our parents on a dark, rainy night. I was getting goose bumps as we moved closer to my parents' grave but tried to put a brave front. I trained my headlight on their tomb. My brother decided to go first to check the area. I followed him and told the kids and my sister-in-law to stay in the car. Since it was raining, my brother and I decided to make it a very short visit. After saying our prayers and our unsuccesful attempt to light a candle, we went back to the car. The kids were also getting nervous. I quickly maneuver the car to the opposite direction.

I had one last errand before we go to a resto for dinner. We passed by a dog-breeder to have the registration paper of our pomeranian signed. After this, we went homewards eyeing a diner where we could take refuge. We took the C-5 Road and it dawned on me that we will be passing by Hot Racks, a favorite resto we go to, which serve very good porterhouse and T-bone at very reasonable prices. I could see my girls' eyes glimmer as I mentioned the place.

Once there, we settled and most of us ordered steak. We capped it with a dessert of cheesecake and a cake made with milk..... which is so delicioso. After a hearty dinner we headed home. In the car, MS and my nephew were asking my brother if my nephew could sleep over. Before traveling to the US, my nephew would not want to be left at our home if his parents won't stay. He never got to sleepover alone in our house. In the US, he learned to live and sleep with our relatives and got so used to it. My brother gave his blessing. I was telling my brother to just stay over too but he and my SIL decided to go to their home. I dropped them at the bus terminal.

We arrived home and everyone settled into their own rooms......

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Efren Penaflorida, a Filipino, is What a Hero is

At a restless time when the money, power, fame are the order of the day, Efren Penaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year, gives us, Filipinos,
something to be proud of. Despite his humble and tumultuous beginnings, he rose above the tough challenges he faced in a place where angels fear to tread. Born to tricycle driver Efren Sr. and housewife Lucila, Efren grew up near a dumpsite. Aside from poverty, he was exposed to the world of gangs. He was bullied and beaten by gang leaders and members who want him in their fold.

But he has clearly charted his path and chose to turn this painful experience into a valuable lesson that would guide him in chosen vocation. By the age of 16, he knew he had to do something to change his life and those around him. He refused to allow his circumstances define his future.

"Instead of being discouraged, I promised myself that I would pursue education," he recalls. "I will strive hard; I will do my best." Today, he offers Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education.

Together with some classmates, they started Dynamic Teen Companyto offer his classmates an outlet to lift up themselves and their community. Formed in 1997 in Cavite by Efren Peñaflorida, its mission then was to keep the youth away from trouble and vices. For Efren, that meant returning to the slums of his childhood to give kids the education he felt they deserved.

Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) is a group of concerned young people with a mission of making a small yet significant difference in other people’s lives, particularly the small children in slum areas who have no access to education, basic hygiene and sometimes, even love from their families. The group was founded in August 1997 by four teenagers from Cavite National High School. The initial group made up of around 20 members started as a friendship club which aimed to divert the attention of students from joining violent gangs and notorious fraternities that were thriving on the campus. Their major platform then was to cater youth awareness projects, talent and self development activities, and community services. Today, the group holds different activities to address these issues

.

For the past 12 years, Efren and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets. Their main tool: A pushcart classroom. Stocked with books, pens, tables and chairs, his Dynamic Teen Company recreates a school setting in unconventional locations such as the cemetery and municipal trash dump.

"They need education to be successful in life. It's just giving them what others gave to me," he says.

DTC volunteers inpire other children and teen because some of these volunteers were former gang members and drug addicts. Hopelessness could have easily snap the life out of them had they not been helped by DTC. I am not sure if it is just out of gratitude that these volunteers are paying it forward and giving what was given them, which is a chance to live a meaningful life, to other children and teens. I am inclined to believe, however, that extending a hand to help somebody, goes beyond gratitude.

"I always tell my volunteers that you are the change that you dream and I am the change that I dream. And collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."

Efren exudes the qualities of an everyday hero. His life would seem ordinary, but the tasks he undertakes are extraordinary earning the respect of his peers and even parents whom he helped in the past.

There was a time when he skipped a class to convince a peer to abandon his attempt to kill himself. He also stood up against an abusive teacher and brought the complaint to the City Schools Division Superintendent to protect his classmates.

Peñaflorida remembers standing up to a gang leader, refusing to join his gang. That confrontation proved fateful. It was to be the spark that would ignite the fire in his heart to do something that would make a difference in the lives of young people who have gone astray.

Today, children ranging from ages 2 to 14 flock to the pushcart every Saturday to learn reading, writing, arithmetic and English from Peñaflorida and his trained teen volunteers.

Through his group, Efren has successfully mentored former gang members, addicts and dropouts, seeing potential where others see problems. Since 1997, an estimated 10,000 members have helped teach more than 1,500 children living in the slums. The organization supports its efforts by making and selling crafts and collecting items to recycle.

Efren hopes to expand the pushcart to other areas, giving more children the chance to learn and stay out of gangs.

There are a few things that Efren can teach all of us....

That poverty is never an end to one's aspirations.
That a strong spirit defies all odds.
That education uplifts.
That the bad experiences can fuel the mind and the soul.
That greatness is not about money, fame, or fortune.
That everyone has it in them to become a hero.

The last one may not be in the mold of Efren's win in the CNN Heroes of the Year Award.

A little sidelight.........

Efren inspires everyone. There is no obstacle to a good spirit. I am put to shame by this guy. You see, I promised my helpers that I would teach them and my neighbor's helpers (if they are interested) basic computer skills some months ago. I have not delivered on that promise. First, because of my too many preoccupations. Second, my son broke the mouse of the PC in the study. His Dad has not replaced it as he wanted my son to be the one to replace it as a lesson. My son kept asking me to widraw money from his savings so he can buy a replacement. I told him to save money from his allowance. The replacement mouse was put on hold as a result.

I am surely going to give into my son's request and get money from his savings so we could buy the replacement. I am also going to ditch the old-worn out excuse of not having time to do something that would benefit the lot of people who have loyally served us all this time. Because of Efren's inspiration, I might extend my project just a little bit and propose a basic computer class for out-of-school youth and household helpers to our homeowners' association or baranggay. I would have to volunteer my time for this.

To Efren and your team of volunteers, mabuhay kayo at pagpalain lalo kayo sa mga kabutihang ginagawa niyo! May your flock increase a hundredfold!

Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it

...... Winston Churchill

Related posts:
Pushcart educator named CNN Hero of the Year
RP’s Efren Peñaflorida is 2009 CNN Hero of the Year
Efren Peñaflorida: An ordinary man doing extraordinary things
Lakandula award awaits CNN hero Peñaflorida

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November 9 - 15, 2009: And the Winner is..............

A most awaited week for many Filipinos....

Every Tom, Dick, Harry, Pedro, Juan, and even Narda, Jodi, Petra and Rosalinda are waiting for Sunday when Manny Pacquiao tries for his seventh title in the WBO welterweight division against a tough Miguel Cotto. Many are expecting that it will be a good match. If Manny gets it, he ups his ante as the Number 1 pound for pound king in seven weight divisions. The man has given so much honor to the country that every Pinoy is so excited about the fight that we want the workweek to be over with, pronto. Maybe, that is a wish we have all the time.

It was an awaited week for me too as that my brother and his family would be returning from the US after trying out their luck for six months. I wonder what is instore for them here. They would be returning to a home that has been looted. One thing good about their return is the certainty that it will bring a smile to MS.

Aside from this, I guess there was nothing spectacular about the entire week except when I was instructed by the boss to work on a very rush work..... it was due two hours after it was handed to me. It came from the Office of the President which is why there was an extreme sense of urgency to that instruction. The usual gunners were not in the office. The boss who was out of town, gave the work to me as a last resort being fastidious about giving instructions....... she was practically at my throat. I hate being treated like some dumb a.... by a person who obviously does not know a thing about me. Her lack of confidence shows in the way she instruct people. Why can't bosses learn to distance themselves after giving a clear instruction? Or perhaps they do not know how to give instructions. She was texting and calling as I was rushing to do the work I almost told her to back off. She must have sensed my irritation, she stopped after sometime. I told her I would send the output to her after I'm done.

I made it through the day as Malacañang waited for that output. I faxed the document to my boss as the internet in her part was unreliable. It took only a few minutes when she called telling me I did a good job giving instructions once again to coordinate with the office of an official for the clearance of the work. This time there was trust.... I texted her that the work was completed and sent. She thanked me.....

Work aside, I was gearing up for the weekend too. Not so much for the much awaited fight because I am actually not a Manny fan. I am also not a detractor but would surely critique his acting, singing, and attempt to run for a political office for which he would not have any weight category whatsoever in my book.

It was to be a very hectic weekend for me. Aside from the usual tasks at home, I had to check out some finds at the second hand market which I had been scouring for weeks now. I had to go to Divisoria too to buy fabric for my seat cover. I finally was able to coerce the unpholstery shop in our neighborhood to clean our sala set and make seat cover to protect it. We are also planning to go to the cemetery except that my brother is requesting to reset it to next weekend as he and my SIL are sick, probably reeling from a bad case of jetlag.

My friend V...., MD, and I set out on an early Sunday morning to go to Divisoria confident we won't be crushed by holiday shoppers because everyone would be home waiting and later watching the fight. We were right... except for some parking problems because the former parking area was being improved, the crowd was expectedly thin. It was a breeze shopping and we lost track of the time. Later, we had to hurry as I still had an appointment with a fellow freecycler who lives in the area and trust me with her stuff to give away.

We headed homewards with some more errands and a late lunch in the schedule. As we were traveling, we got word that Manny won via TKO when the fight was stopped in the twelfth round. People started emerging from venues which aired the fight. We made a short stop at cartimar to buy dog food and some other stuff.

After this, we went to Dampa at Macapagal for a lunch of sinigang na maya-maya, buttered prawns, and sweet chili crabs. The fight was shown on late telecast by the local channels which we watched over our lunch. Manny was so good from the beginning until the fight was stopped. But Cotto is tough and courageous. At the end of the fight, Cotto was so bruised his pretty face appears disfigured after the fight.

We went home after lunch. We dropped my friend V....... at her home. We reached our home almost early evening. After unloading our stuff, I had to go to the upholstery shop to give the fabric. I came back home and took a long, warm bath to remove all traces of dirt after a long day. I skipped dinner and headed to a new- found salon spa for a little pampering.

Going home, I felt like a winner surviving this week.....

Related Posts:
Win vs. Cotto puts Pacquiao among All-Time- Boxing Greats
Pacquiao-Cotto tops Mayweather in PPV

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How Much Do You Make?

I got this from an email forwarded by a dear friend who like me belongs to the academe. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece. It made me misty-eyed but it surely made my day!

This is dedicated to all the teachers and mentors who sometimes forget what their true worth is. Indeed, money isn't everything. I am glad that I am always wanting in finances because I know that my true worth is not dictated by my wealth; not affected by inflation; does not expand exponentially by compounding interest rates; nor is it eroded by time........

The Teacher

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; “You’re a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest... what do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, “You want to know what I make?"

(She paused for a second, then began...)

Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like a Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write... keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in
English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make e my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand and sing ………… every morning, because we live in this great country called …………

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given,
work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't
everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant...

You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

“What do you make Mr. CEO?"

His jaw dropped, he went silent.


Now let me add my own take on this.....

..... that to really learn, one need to learn discipline, control, and restraint.... that instilling discipline means that a teacher cares to want a student become the best that he can be....

I make a student take each failure as a step leading to the right direction..... that it is alright to fail as long as you learn from your mistake and move on.... that a teacher extends a hand's after each and every failure.....

.... that the best lesson in life is learned in living it taking both blows and breezes with magnanimity.........

......that success is not determined by luck nor circumstances, it is a choice..........

To my former teachers and mentors, thank you for taking the time in charting our paths..........

Everyone is welcome to share your own piece of wisdom.

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November 2 - 8, 2009: Same Old Routine, Some New Twist

It's back to school for me. It's still semestral break for ED while MD and MS were back to school as well. I was trying to get into the routine of having two jobs. It's hard to get back after a lull.... but I must shape up because I need to. I have two classes but was given another one after one of the professors backed out. Being the most experienced handling a variety of subjects, I was the natural choice. I also handled that course before. I really wanted to just have two subjects and offered one of the subjects I would be teaching to my professor friend, a colleague in the old school. She declined as she is having some problems in the school where she now teach. Without any choice, I accepted the new assignment.

The rest of the week was uneventful as far as the office is concerned. The merger would take a backseat as the head of the committee responsible for it is out of the country. I noticed too that one of the heads of the affected office who is against the merger would snub me whenever we meet at the ladies' room or lobby. I would like to wonder aloud and I hope she reads this why people with opposing views on work-related matters should take it personally.

It was a busy weekend as I expected because of so many errands. First, I brought the dogs to the vet for grooming and left them there to do the errands I have lined up.

I have been scouring the sulit.com.ph for items I need like dog cages and some furnishings. I kinda have a good eye and feel for good items to buy. There are so many items on sale there that were hardly used. I keep a close eye on those items because they are practically new. On Saturday, I went to a number of sellers selling stuff I was interested in. One may still haggle a bit once you meet-up with the seller. Some items go so fast. I bought what was supposed to be a second hand dog cage that is practically unused it looks brand-new because their dog would not want to stay in the cage. While I was haggling with the seller, he mentioned that they have a dog bed too that their dog would not like to sleep on. Aha, I saw an opportunity...... I offered to buy the dog bed and of course, he was willing to sell it. I bought it at a steal and it looks so new. I was so happy with my purchase. The second seller I went to was selling furnishing because they were leaving. I thought they would have good pieces of furniture because they live in a classy neighborhood. I was disappointed when I got there because the furniture have damages which they would not reveal in their ad. I was caught in traffic after that detour which was not actually in my route. The seller initially told me that they got a bigger offer from a prospective buyer than the price she quoted me. She told me they are inclined to consider the other buyer and would call me if the other buyer backs out. I said fine but I can't look at her furniture anymore after that saturday and would rather go to other sellers I talked too. She texted me after I finished transacting with the dog cage seller. Since her place is on the way, I figured I'll take a look to my regret.

I had to reset other appointments including fetching the dogs because we had to go to mass. After mass, we had dinner at home and I set out to fetch the dogs and go to two more sellers in the neighborhood selling furnishings. I liked the items of one of these seller but I haggle for a lower price. She would not budge as she said another buyer will take a look. I told her to text me in case there are no takers and she would give it at my price. I did not find the item of the next seller extraordinary and bargained at a price she wouldn't accept. After these errands, I fetched the dogs, who all looked pretty, but were weary from being kept in the vet's clinic for so long.

On Sunday, I had this appointment with a gracious lady which was supposed to have been done the previous day. The traffic prevented me from making it at the appointed time and they had to leave their home. The lady is also a freecycler like me who gives unwanted or excess stuff and she was giving away royal palm seedlings which she grows from the seeds of their own palms. She said she has numerous and I can get as much as I want. Great.... I can have some palm trees in my home. Landscaping can be expensive and this would help cut down costs. She said I can give out some to friends. I also thought of our homeowners' association and chapel ..... so I ask for some more I can give to friends and some others. This is the second time I am a beneficiary of this lady's generosity. The first item I got from her was a huge aquarium which now houses our flower horn. As my boy helper was loading the palm seedlings, she engaged me in conversation and got to know this amazing woman, a retired nurse who counts cooking and painting among her many passion now... She would also show me her plants, bonsais, and paintings as she showed me around her home. She is also living a quiet life and I think she is solely taking care of her household. She has a huge house but I have not seen a helper in that house. She would always be the one to attend to me. Inspite of what seems like a tight sked for this lady, she is able to squeeze in her many hobbies. She is into planting and her property is surrounded by all sorts of palms and trees. People asking for the seedlings are wondering why she is giving it for free when these palm trees are so expensive. She thinks it would be greedy to sell these seedling which her husband just threw on their lot and grew into tiny plants. They then planted the tiny plants into tin cans and plastic pots. The palm trees have great water absortive capacity. Her care for the environment and the recent devastation are part of the reason she wants to propagate these palm trees. She said that she just want to ensure that the palm seedlings are plated. I assured her that I will ensure that they go to good use. She said I can come back for more if I still need to give to some other people or organizations. I went home with a truckload of plam seedlings........

A tiring weekend but it was well worth it.....

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October 26 - November 1, 2009: Knick Knack

The impending merger in the office puts a damper on everyone this week. We will be merged with three other offices. The thing is these three offices do not want to be merged with us probably because of the reputation attached to this office. On a personal level, nobody wants to be merged. The recommendation came from the department managing the government busget and it appears there is no escaping the inevitable. In a surprise twist, we here at my office have all put aside personal biases in favor of what is good for the new organization taking into consideration staff welfare. The other parties, however, would not hear of it and insist on their own preferences. With reorganization blues in the air, there is a feeling of heaviness in each and everyone.

I would be back to the academe this week... That's a welcome change from my boring routine for the past three months I was out of it..... However, the absence snapped out the life out of me and I kinda enjoyed my vegging state. I would have to motivate myself to get back into my old routine.

I would be disappointed with a friend I have been generous with because I feel she's not have it good in this life. I am not asking for repayment. I am just surprise how selfish and bratty she is everytime things are going good for her.....

Typhoon Ramil battered us on Saturday. I woke up to darkness and howling wind. I got my small flashlight and checked out the entire house. Our kitchen screen door was banging. The wind was pushing my sliding door so hard that I was afraid it will shatter. I tried opening a window to ease the pressure but the wind would shut it close. The dogs were surprisingly quiet. I had to check on them. And as soon as they saw me, they started barking.... probably just putting a brave front which gave way once they saw mummy.... Typhoon Ramil was intense and it's a good thing it was quick or the damage and casualties would have been much greater.

We were ushered into another extended weekend because of All Saints' Day. I did not join MIL and family to the annual trek to the cemetery because my helper will take the day off. I had to be the ready substitute on those times..... As always, visit to my parents' grave are timed before or after the actual celebration of the day of the dead. This time, we will wait for my brother and his family to come home before we pay our visit to my parents.

After much ado, we had my belated birthday celebration in the weekend at Mongkok, a Chinese resto in SM Southmall.... We were all craving for something tasty and we weren't disappointed. The kids love the food. Upon getting our bill, my girls noticed that the extra rice we ordered was not charged. So we told the waiter. The waiter was so glad, he wanted the forgotten item stricken off our bill.... I told him to just give us free water and he said he would give even a drum.... Before checking out, I told the waiter to have the rest of the water deleivered to our home. He laughed.....

The week ended on a light note.........

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Preventing H1N1 (Swine Flu)

Note: I got this from my email. The remedies are effortless and look harmless enough. An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global
epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps can be practiced even in our regular routine.

1. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method.

2. Blow the nose hard once a day and swab both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

3. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

4. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

STAY HEALTHY

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October 12 - 18, 2009: In Heat

After dealing with disasters the past few weeks, everyone is trying to get back into the usual scheme of things. This is easier said than done but life goes on after all.

In the office, policies are being enforced left and right. I wonder why management has to strictly monitor the actions of full-bloodied adults. Trust issues........ Can't the workplace be a little kinder to the people who makes the wheel of progress roll? Wishful thinking......... The office becomes the ratrace stadium that it is because of too many rules imposed. It actually feels so hot......

It is also this week that my brother would finalize his decision to go back home here with his family after trying out their luck in the land of milk and honey for some months. Apparently, efforts to find someone who is willing to sponsor them were all in vain. America has not fully got back......... I wonder what happens to the dreams of those prospecting to make it there....

It's the heat season for my bitches and my male dogs are going crazy howling at the sight of every female dog they see. It doesn't help that all my bitches would be in heat at about the same time. We were all keeping a close eye just to avoid unwanted accidents. Ironically, two female dogs we hope to breed were in no mood for the male amorous tactics. It was supposed to be their first attempt at momhood and it looks unsuccessful. My matured females, on the other hand, were readily accepting of the male advances. Thing is I want them to rest......... Maybe, humans have no business dealing with canine procreation......

The weekend still is as busy as ever. We have not found a replacement for the other helper. Why, oh why is it so hard to get helping hands these days......... In this not so pleasant situation, I bid adieu to this week.......

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October 5 - 11, 2009: Testy

The week is marked by uncertainties. People in the metro are still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Ondoy narrowly escaping the wrath of Typhoon Pepeng but life has to go on. In Northern Luzon, persistent Typhoon Pepeng lingered and made another landfall. Misery is written on faces of the typhoon victims. Government is hard-pressed helping both victims of Typhoon Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng.

Given the general feeling of goodwill in the past two weeks brought about by the good deeds of countless nameless heroes who chose to sacrifice their time, effort, and resources, the week is marked by the disappointing discovery of theft and vandalism carried out by some typhoon victims. Described as less than human behavior by a government official, students of a school in Muntinlupa used as an evacuation center were robbed by men when the students used toilet facilities. School officials also discovered some properties were stolen and teachers drawers were forcibly opened. Some classrooms were even turned into toilets by some evacuees. I think that people have turned back into their old selves after the victim syndrome have worn out. These people should realize that there is a limit to generosity.......

Still, rehabilitation and relief efforts continue........

As a fitting end to the workweek, I had something planned out with my friend V....... who was on leave for her annual physical examination. Together, we set off on an early morning journey to Makati. She dropped me off at the venue of the midlife crisis seminar I would be attending. This seminar was a second choice actually. I wonder what happened to my first choice which is basic photography with photo shooting in Binondo. The leeches appear to be on the move again. Their mafiatic relationship with the HRD personnel enable them to dictate who can join certain seminars. A leech and a colleague who cowtows to them also picked my first choice and they were among the first batch who attended the photography seminar. Naturally they want to ease me out as they get great satisfaction in doing dastardly things to their perceived enemies and I am enemy no. 1. The mafia once again worked its magic......... Anyhow, the seminar of the whacked men and women of a certain age turned out to be an enriching experience.

After the seminar, I met up with my friend V......... at the mall. We went to The Island, a little known spa in Belair, Makati. I like it here because of the privacy and the very nice massage bed and the good service I get and the reasonable price. It was a truly relaxing experience as I have been craving for a massage for so long because of my backpains.

From our spa date, we went to fetch ED at her dorm and had late dinner at Penang Hill in Robinson's Place. After dinner, we dropped V......... at her home and went home for our much needed rest.

In the weekend, the never-ending chores gave me back my back pains.......... woooooooohh!

Related Posts:
Theft, vandalism in school used as temporary shelter
Pepeng’ lingers over Cagayan

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Innocence, Pure and Simple

The chaos that came about because of the disaster that recently happened led to the suspension of classes. For the whole week, my kids were mostly on the laptop or pc doing various pursuits or watching TV and pigging out on whatever was available. The girls would be involved in some relief efforts organized by the school and would go there on some days. My son would go with them one time.

Knowing that MD would be going to school to help, I thought it would be a cool idea to have ED and MS join her. I asked if my son wanted to go and he said yes readily without giving it any thought. I told MD about it on the morning she was set out to go. Irritated, she told me that ED would be going but resented that MS would go with them asking me who would take care of him. I said he doesn't need to be taken cared of. She said she and her sister didn't have money. I said I would give money to MS. I tried to appeal to her compassion to let her brother join them. She was still adamant and told me that MS would be hanging with ED. I went to ED's room who was still sleeping and told her about my idea and she had the same reaction as MD's. I was my usual insistent self and I told MS to prepare and gave him money. I hurriedly went through the linen cabinets in the attic to get our spare pillows, pillow cases, and a blanket for them to bring. I left for work hopeful but not confident that the two girls would let their brother join them as he was preparing himself. I texted both ED and MD once again appealing to their compassion. MD would be the one replying to me telling me after a number of exchanges that MS agreed not to go with them. I didn't reply anymore and accepted their decision. In a while, MD would text that MS would join them. I was pleased.......... I know MS is a generous soul as he has shown a capacity to feel the pain of others and given the chance he would rise to the occassion. I am glad my kids were taking the initiative in helping the flood victims.

With a week to spare, my son would mostly be playing games on the laptop using the
facebook account I opened for him and some other games. I prefer that he uses the facebook applications rather than computer games involving fights or violence. On facebook, he tends to a farm, manages a resto, takes care of a dog and a cat, and buys and hires some friends including me. Facebook and another game, Fish Tycoon kept him occupied the entire time he was home......... until one morning as I was leaving for work he grudgingly told me that he couldn't open his facebook account anymore and is labelled an invalid user. "What!", was my suprised reaction to his pronouncements. I asked if he did something. He thought awhile and said he changed his birth year. "Why!", was my annoyed reply. He explained that he was uncomfortable with the information on his profile because it's not true. He added that he doesn't want to lie.

I was caught in a dilemma. I opened his facebook account for him. He was watching me as I was doing it. When it came to his birthday, I had to click on a year which makes him older than what he really is. He resented this even then. I told him some sites required a minimum age. As soon as his facebook account was ready, he became engrossed with it as he tried all the apps. I thought he had forgotten about my little 'lie'. Apparently, he didn't as he tried to rectify the disinformation.

In my effort to shield him from violence, I had to make that 'lie'. My intention was good but the means does not justify it. My son took matters into his own hands. He was visibly disappointed and even mad at the site creator for having such a policy. I had to explain to him that they could also get into trouble if they don't put restrictions in the site. He hasn't quite understood what harm could happen with children using social networking sites or the internet in general. I am glad he hasn't explored that far. Maybe, he is just really naive. He still has the innocence of a small child, one which view things as just either right or wrong......... no gray areas.

Protecting the innocence of children was once understood by society to be important. Now, children are being systematically attacked by a culture becoming more determined to remove the safe guards necessary to protect children from an adult culture. Childhood must be a time of safety, exploration, and discovery, not a quick transition from childhood to instant adulthood.

The prevailing atmosphere regarding children’s innocence is to move them rapidly toward adulthood indoctrination and further away from childhood sheltering. Why? The perceived desire is to evade hypocrisy (one of the last identified evils) by supplanting it with authenticity, truthfulness, and realism. Although this has an appearance of compassion, that of preparing children for a cruel unfair world, in truth, it exchanges the gift of innocence with the ruthlessness of reality.

Since he lost his facebook account, he avoids the topic like a plague and contented himself playing his own computer games. I asked him a number of times if he wants me to open him another facebook account. He would answer, "I don't know." and just shrug his shoulders. In my last attempt, he told me that he is uncomfortable faking his information. My all-knowing self wanted to tell my son that there is wisdom in being discreet about information in the virtual world. Then again, I thought about how refreshing it is to see childlike-innocence in my almost teenage son. He finally shut me off saying he would just wait till his next birthday coming in the next few months so that he can legally and rightfully open his own facebook account. My jaw dropped at my son's sacrifice to postpone gratification until the right time knowing how much he loves the facebook applications. Then again, adults like me should take heed and comfort in the wisdom of innocence.

For our children’s sake and for the future of our world, we must protect the innocence of children. Innocence is a wellspring of life. A child’s innocence reminds us of our own childhood. We long to be young again, and through the innocence of their eyes, we are.

Plato said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” This might be true, but I believe instead, youthful innocence is the mother of invention. It is the curiosity, energy, and the innocent courage of the new generation that challenges and invigorates the older one. If these little ones curiosity and innocence were damaged or stolen, then they would be just like most of us older ones, tired, bitter, and worn-out.

No, innocence and youth must be kept together. We need innocence just as much as our children. A world without children would be a dismal place. What would restrain humanity from becoming totally depraved? It is because of the innocence of children that we are reminded of our humanity. And our humanity demands that we protect their innocence.

Even though some believe it is better to take off the training wheels of innocence for the sake of complete realism and authenticity, the reality is children still need their “wheews.” Therefore, it is our responsibility as parents, grandparents, and adults at large to provide that protection.

Related Posts:
The Doing Away of Childhood
Letting Go of Your Child’s Innocence
Teaching Children About Forgiveness - Honoring Your Child's Innocence
Innocence is Bliss

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